Running shops are not experts and their sole (geddit?) reason for offering "gait analysis" is to flog you more expensive shoes. There's not necessarily any need to correct over/under pronation etc.
If you have a Nuffield gym near you with a physio centre attached then give them a call. Some of their physios are qualified for sports performance training and can help.
I've had a few sessions with the one in Harrogate and it's definitely worth it. Functional tests with the physio, then into the gym to be filmed on the treadmill, followed by some recommendations on strength training to improve running.
Personal opinion as a fairly experienced competitive runner: if you're getting plantar fasciitis then consider the following in order:
0. If you've rapidly increased mileage, back off for a week or two to recover.
1. If your shoes are old, replace them. Generic neutral Nike running shoes work fine for me.
2. Increase your cadence (easier said than done, admittedly). The higher the cadence the more spring energy is stored in your Achilles instead of being dissipated through your sole.
3. Concentrate on where your foot is landing. It needs to be directly below or slightly behind your knee. If it's forward then not only will you be landing on your heel and mid-foot, but you'll be loading the tendons in both directions with braking and acceleration forces. Make small changes. If you try to change overnight to landing on your forefoot you'll end up in agony.
I think it probably will get easier with practice. Humans the the most efficient runners on the planet.
Last edited by: Fursty Ferret on Wed 30 Mar 22 at 13:43
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